Work piece support hinge assembly

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00011. Field of the Invention

0002The present invention relates to work piece support assemblies and, in particular, to a support that pivots the leg assembly thereby allowing efficient assembly and storage. The invention further relates to a method for providing a pivoting hinge, and to a kit having the components for assembling the work piece support assembly.

00032. Background

0004Many various designs of work piece support assemblies are well known in the art. The basic carpenters support assembly has been made of wood with legs nailed or otherwise secured to a horizontal beam. Such a support assembly is typically fixedly assembled and must be stored and moved in its completed form. Storing and transporting such a support assembly is space consuming and does not lend itself to efficient storage.

0005Typically, pieces of lumber are often secured together to form a work piece support assembly using hardware components that are commercially available. This may result in a support assembly of considerable weight that is either permanently or reversibly assembled. However, once the support assembly is disassembled there is usually no convenient way to keep all the various parts and components together for reassembly.

0006This has resulted in various efforts to design work piece support assemblies make construction, transportation and storage more efficient and convenient. These include designs that provide for either the folding and/or telescoping of the legs relative to the elongated rail support member. It is also known to provide attachment pieces together so that the support assembly may be dismantled, with the resulting pieces less likely to become lost. Typically, such designs are expensive in that special manufactured parts are required. Some designs can accommodate replacing the elongated rail support member, upon extraordinary wear or damage. Some designs use the elongated rail itself as part of the support structure. An example of this is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,003 issued Jul. 14, 1998 to W. F. Carty, where each end of a horizontal rail is used to attach brackets for supporting legs of a collapsible sawhorse. The only horizontal structure is the rail itself. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,455 issued Jul. 15, 1997 to D. L. Russell, the opposite approach is used, where the tubular outer and inner hinge members provide the horizontal support between each leg assembly, and an engaging member (rail) is attached to the top side of the outer hinge member.

0007Work piece support assemblies typically serve a single function, that of providing an elevated elongated rail, for use by carpenters, framers, those in other construction trades, as well as homeowners, gardeners and hobbyists. Some designs have been developed that have built-in tool shelves, and some also provide steps for use of the unit as a step ladder. These support assemblies or substantially similar designs can also be the basis for other structures such as scaffolding, work or support platforms, sawhorses and tables.

0008Therefore, what is needed is a work piece support assembly that can alternate between an operational configuration and an efficient transportation and storage configuration. The efficiency in storage relates to the ease and convenience of storing, the space occupied during storage, and in the retention of component parts. There also is a need for a support assembly that is inexpensive to make, and which can be easily assembled or positioned between operational and storage modes without special tools, to form a stable and lightweight structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009The present invention relates to a device, apparatus, kit and method for a leg hinge and work piece support assembly. The present invention allows for efficient storage and operational use of a work piece support assembly by providing a means to pivot both leg assemblies until they are substantially coplanar and substantially lying flat with the elongated rail member of the support assembly.

0010In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a hinge device is provided for pivoting a leg assembly of a work piece support assembly into an operational or storage position, whereby the hinge device is a leg assembly having a leg portion and a stem assembly defined by two adjacent stem portions that allow insertion and connection of the stem assembly into a leg socket assembly comprised of two adjacent sockets, either socket having a centerline that is non parallel to the other socket centerline, and which converges and intersects at a predetermined point, whereby upon insertion of the two stem portions into the leg socket assembly, the leg portion comprised of two legs interconnected by a brace member, can be rotated and positioned substantially transversely with respect to the work piece support assembly.

0011In accordance with an additional aspect of the present invention, a work piece support assembly apparatus is provided which includes an elongated rail support member having a leg socket assembly at the proximal and distal ends of the rail member, a proximal leg assembly and a distal leg assembly each defined as having a first and second leg disposed in angular opposition to each other, and interconnected by a brace member, thereby forming each leg assembly as having a stem assembly comprised of a first and second stem portion opposite the brace member, each stem portion angled and pivotally coupled to the socket assembly, having a first and second socket with respective centerlines that are non parallel and that converge to intersect at a predetermined point.

0012A further aspect of the invention includes a kit for providing a work piece support assembly from the provided components, this kit including a rail support member with opposing ends each having a leg socket assembly defined by two adjacent sockets, two leg assemblies each comprised of a leg portion and a stem assembly, each leg portion comprised of two legs interconnected by a brace member, each stem assembly including two stem portions for insertion into the leg socket assembly and rotation such that the leg portion of the leg assembly is positioned transversely relative to the rail support member.

0013A still further aspect of the invention includes a method for providing a hinge for pivoting a leg assembly coupled to a leg socket assembly into an operational or storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like elements bear like reference numerals, and wherein:

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a partial exploded side view illustrating the leg hinge device, according to the present invention;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> is an end view illustrating the leg hinge device depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>, according to the present invention;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a side view illustrating the leg hinge device connected and in a transverse or operational configuration, according to the present invention;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is an end view illustrating the leg hinge device depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, according to the present invention;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a phantom perspective view of a leg socket assembly at the proximal end of an elongated rail support member, according to the present invention;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a phantom perspective view of the leg socket assembly with the proximal leg assembly inserted into the leg socket at the proximal end of the elongated rail support member depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, according to the present invention;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a side view of the work piece support assembly in a coplanar storage mode, according to the present invention;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side view of the work piece support assembly depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, in a transverse operational mode, according to the present invention;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a phantom side view of the leg socket assembly at the proximal end of the elongated rail support member, according to the present invention;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a bottom view of a portion of the proximal end of the elongated support member and leg socket assembly, illustrating the longitudinal relief slot, bushing member and tab, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0025The leg hinge and work piece support assembly of the present invention relates to a device, apparatus, kit and method thereof for pivoting a leg assembly. The work piece support assembly of the present invention allows for an operational and storage configurations of the work piece support assembly and leg hinge by providing a transversely rotatable leg assembly disposed at the proximal and distal ends of the rail support assembly. The leg assemblies support and elevate the rail support assembly to a customary and usual height, which can be varied according to the length and spacing between the legs. The invention is described herein as a sawhorse as being used for the construction trades, particularly those in carpentry or framing. However, the invention may be used by homeowners, hobbyists or by anyone as a work or support platform. Alternative embodiments could easily be used to support and elevate beams, platforms, scaffolding, tables and other support beams or surfaces.

0026Referring now to the drawings, depicted therein as the side and end views from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>, is one embodiment of a leg hinge device <b>13</b> shown partially assembled. A leg hinge <b>13</b> is located at the proximal end <b>16</b> of an elongated rail support member <b>12</b>. Here, the leg hinge <b>13</b> comprises a leg socket assembly <b>22</b> and proximal leg assembly <b>24</b>. The leg socket assembly <b>22</b> is preferably located on the underside surface portion <b>20</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>, but may alternatively be located on lateral rail extensions (not shown) fixedly attached to the vertical side surfaces of the rail support member <b>12</b>. The leg assembly <b>24</b> includes a stem assembly <b>28</b> disposed at the apex of an inverted “V”-shaped leg portion <b>34</b> that extends downwardly and outwardly from the apex. While leg portion <b>34</b> is shown in this “V” shape, it should be understood that leg portion <b>34</b> could have other, alternative shapes such as an “A” shape or other shapes having two leg portions interconnected by bracing. The stem assembly <b>28</b> of the shown embodiment is comprised of a first stem <b>30</b> and a second stem <b>32</b> and are tubular or cylindrical end portions of the overall leg assembly <b>24</b>. The leg portion <b>34</b> itself is made of a first leg <b>36</b> and second leg <b>38</b> with a brace member <b>40</b> attached at points <b>63</b>, <b>65</b>. The interconnection is points as shown the distal ends <b>64</b>, <b>66</b> of the first and second legs <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> respectively, thereby forming a triangular-shaped leg assembly <b>24</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref>. Alternatively, the interconnection points <b>63</b>, <b>65</b> of the brace <b>40</b> to the first and second legs <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> can be located at a point proximal to the distal leg ends <b>64</b>, <b>66</b>, thereby achieving a more “A”-shaped leg assembly (not shown). In such an embodiment, each leg <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> can also be constructed to be adjustable in length to conform to uneven surfaces where one leg needs to be longer than the other. This adjustability can be accomplished with known mechanisms such as telescoping leg segments, for example. Referring also to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, an embodiment of the leg socket assembly <b>22</b> is shown comprised of a first socket <b>42</b> having a first centerline <b>44</b>, and an adjacent second socket <b>46</b> having a second centerline <b>48</b>. In one embodiment, the first centerline <b>44</b> and the second centerline <b>48</b> are non parallel and may be positioned so as to converge and intersect at a predetermined point <b>50</b> determined by both the angle formed between the centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> and the distance between the first socket <b>42</b> and second socket <b>46</b>. For example, a socket diameter of substantially one inch results in a preferred distance between the centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> of the first socket <b>42</b> and the second socket <b>46</b> of one and one-half inches, measured at the underside surface portion <b>20</b> of rail <b>12</b>. In the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the predetermined point <b>50</b> lies in a vertical plane <b>62</b> passing through the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of rail <b>12</b>. An alternative embodiment calls for the predetermined point <b>50</b> to be located along a line connecting the attachment points <b>63</b>, <b>65</b>. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the distal end of the first leg <b>64</b> and the distal end of the second leg <b>66</b> are also the attachment points <b>63</b>, <b>65</b>.

0027It should also be understood that while it is believed that optimal operation of the device seems to be achieved when centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> are non parallel, it is believed that an embodiment where centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> are substantially parallel to one another is operable and would also provide an acceptable support or hinge device.

0028Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the legs assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> may be manufactured from any of a variety of materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, fiberglass or other circular stock of sufficient diameter and strength to withstand the load and stress suitable for the particular use. For example, the diameter of a metal tubing stock may be 0.5-2.0 inches, and preferably between 0.9-1.1 inches. A typical wall thickness is 0.05-0.3 inches, and preferably between 0.0625 and 0.25 inches. The thicker tube stock produces leg assemblies of superior strength, but with the corresponding tradeoff of greater weight. It should be understood that leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> may be made from various materials with various cross-sectional shapes, such as oval, or polygonal.

0029The leg assemblies may be manufactured from a single length of tubular metal stock that is bent by a manually operated tube bender or by various automated CNC tube bender systems. Precision leg assemblies can be provided by any one of a number of tube bending services, one of which is Pipelyne Manufacturing (San Jose, Calif.). Alternatively, the leg assemblies can be made from various cut segments of material such as metal tube stock, resulting in a first leg, second leg, brace member and first and second stem portions. These segments could then be constructed into leg assemblies using known methods of assembly such as with friction connectors, threaded connectors, nut and bolts, precision welding, or dip-brazing methods.

0030The elongated rail support member may be manufactured from a suitable material such as wood, metal, fiberglass, high strength plastic or synthetic materials, high strength composites and combinations thereof, for example. Again, the material should be chosen with the particular use in mind.

0031In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the leg assembly <b>24</b> is shown coplanar with the rail support member <b>12</b>, as is the first socket <b>42</b> and second socket (not shown) of the leg socket assembly <b>22</b>. This coplanar alignment is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1B</figref> by the substantial superimposition of the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>, the first centerline <b>44</b> of the first socket <b>42</b>, and the second centerline <b>48</b> of the second socket <b>46</b> which defines a substantially vertical plane <b>62</b> passing through the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>. This coplanar alignment produces a substantially flat assembly that is preferred for the storage properties of the invention, such as when the assembly is hung on a wall, or stacked flat on a floor.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref> display side and end views of a fully assembled leg hinge device <b>13</b>. The proximal leg assembly <b>24</b> is shown with the stem assembly <b>28</b> at least partially inserted into and connected with the leg socket assembly <b>22</b>. The entire proximal leg assembly <b>24</b> has been rotated in a substantially perpendicular direction or substantially ninety degrees from the original coplanar position seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref>. the leg assembly <b>24</b> is now shown substantially transverse in position relative to the rail support member <b>12</b>. This is a preferred operational configuration of the invention, and provides a stable upright position during active use of the invention. However, under some working conditions, it may be desirable to rotate the leg assembly <b>24</b> an alternate amount less than substantially transverse.

0033As the stem assembly <b>28</b> is rotated, the first stem portion <b>30</b> and the second stem portion <b>32</b> simultaneously rotate in their respective first socket <b>42</b> and second socket <b>46</b>. In the embodiment where the first centerline <b>44</b> of the first socket <b>42</b> converges and intersects at predetermined point <b>50</b> with the second centerline <b>48</b> of the second socket <b>46</b>, the leg assembly <b>24</b> will rotate with minimal effort between storage configuration (coplanar) and operational configuration (transverse) without substantial binding occurring between the stem assembly <b>28</b> and the leg socket assembly <b>22</b>. This rotation of the stem assembly <b>28</b> tends to reduce the imparting of bending loads to the first stem portion <b>30</b> and second stem portion <b>32</b>, which may cause a misalignment of the entire leg assembly <b>24</b>.

0034With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a phantom illustration of the proximal end portion <b>16</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b> is shown. It is understood that one embodiment of the present invention includes a distal end portion <b>18</b> of rail <b>12</b> having a socket assembly and leg assembly substantially identical to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the first socket <b>42</b> and second socket <b>46</b> are each shown as being comprised of a bore <b>52</b> running non parallel and offset relative to each other through the rail support member <b>12</b>. Each bore <b>52</b> is formed with an opening on the underside surface <b>20</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>. A topside opening from bore <b>52</b> as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is optional, and can be closed by having bore <b>52</b> extend only partially into rail <b>12</b>. The non parallel orientation of each bore <b>52</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> by the converging centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> of each socket <b>42</b>, <b>46</b> or bore <b>52</b>, which intersect at a predetermined point <b>50</b>. This intersection point <b>50</b> may occur along a line <b>68</b> connecting a corresponding intersection point formed by the converging centerlines of the socket assembly at the opposite end of rail <b>12</b>.

0035Continuing with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b> is shown dividing each bore <b>52</b> substantially equally and through centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> of each socket <b>42</b>, <b>46</b>. This longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> and the line <b>68</b> describe a substantially vertical plane <b>62</b> that may allow leg assembly <b>24</b> to be substantially coplanar and substantially lie flat with the rail support member <b>12</b>, when in the storage configuration. The predetermined intersection point <b>50</b> described above may also lie in the substantially vertical plane <b>62</b>.

0036While the socket assembly <b>22</b> is shown using a pair of bores <b>52</b> formed in rail <b>16</b> with stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> being connected by simply inserting portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> into sockets <b>42</b>, <b>44</b>, it is believed that stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> is alternative ways. For example, one could insert one end of a short, intermediate pin member into socket <b>42</b> with its second end extending out from socket <b>42</b>. This second end of the pin member extending from socket <b>42</b> could then be inserted into stem portion <b>30</b> and allow stem portion <b>30</b> to rotate to the desired position. Other ways of rotatably connecting stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> to socket assembly <b>22</b> or directly to rail <b>16</b> would be known to a person skilled in the art after having the benefit of this disclosure and its teachings.

0037With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the phantom illustration of the proximal end portion <b>16</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b> is displayed with the stem assembly <b>28</b> substantially inserted into the rail support member <b>12</b> and connected therein. The first centerline <b>44</b> is shown intersecting line <b>68</b> that connects the distal ends <b>64</b>, <b>66</b> of the first leg <b>36</b> and second leg <b>38</b> thereby forming acute angle <b>70</b> with the horizontal. The second centerline <b>48</b> is also shown intersecting line <b>68</b> thereby forming acute angle <b>72</b> with the horizontal. In one embodiment, the mathematical difference resulting from subtracting acute angle <b>72</b> from acute angle <b>70</b> is acute angle <b>74</b>. Angle <b>74</b> may be varied somewhat depending on the particular application materials used and size arrangements but it is believed that angle <b>74</b> should fall within the range of from two degrees to fifteen degrees. More preferably it is believed that angle <b>74</b> should be substantially three degrees. It is recognized that substantially identical acute angles are formed with the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b> when rail <b>16</b> is substantially horizontal.

0038With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a work piece support assembly <b>10</b> apparatus is shown constructed from an elongated rail support member <b>12</b> having a proximal end portion <b>16</b>, a distal end portion <b>18</b> and an underside surface portion <b>20</b>. A proximal leg assembly <b>24</b> and a distal leg assembly <b>26</b> are inserted into and connected through the leg socket assembly <b>22</b> disposed at the proximal and distal end portions <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>. The remaining components of leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> were described previously in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1A and 1B</figref>.

0039Continuing with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, both leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> are illustrated in a substantially coplanar position relative to each other and to the elongated rail support member <b>12</b>. The leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> are substantially coplanar because line <b>68</b> connecting the distal ends <b>64</b>, <b>66</b> of the first and second legs <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> of each leg assembly <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>, when combined with the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>, define a substantially vertical plane <b>62</b> (not shown). This vertical plane is preferred for an apparatus such as this work piece support assembly <b>10</b> to lie flat so that it may be either hung on a wall or stacked serially. This storage configuration occupies less space than the operational configuration because of the flattening effect that occurs when both leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> are rotated substantially transverse to a coplanar position under the rail support member <b>12</b>.

0040The elongated rail support member <b>12</b> displayed in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> also includes thickened reinforced portions <b>76</b> of the rail support member <b>12</b>. These reinforced portions <b>76</b> may be attached to or integral with the sides of the rail support member <b>12</b>. The reinforced portions serve to improve lateral strength of the rail support member <b>12</b> in the regions where an adjustable clamping member <b>60</b> may be used to tighten or secure the leg socket assemblies <b>22</b> around the stem assembly <b>28</b> of the leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the adjustable clamping member <b>60</b> is illustrated as two bolts passing through a transverse bore to the opposing side of the rail support member <b>12</b>. The two bolts are threaded on the ends and are secured with a standard nut, a threaded “T”-nut or a wing-nut that can be finger tightened. Alternatively, the transverse bore on the opposing side of the rail support member <b>12</b> is internally threaded so as to engage and tighten against the threads of the engaging bolt. Other alternatives may use a bolt that could be engaged and tightened using either friction fit clasps, tightening devices or other mechanical means known to clamp down on bolts, and that are well known to those skilled in the art.

0041The embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> discloses the use of adjustable clamping member <b>60</b> having two bolts used to “squeeze” internal slot <b>58</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>) to retain stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> in the desired position. However, it should be understood that socket assembly <b>22</b> may use alternative adjustable catch mechanisms for retaining stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> in a selected position. For example, where centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> are non parallel and converging, a movable wedge mechanism (not shown) could be mounted between stem portions <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> within rail <b>16</b> (bores <b>52</b> being replaced by a single slot with internal end walls tapering parallel to centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b>). Other catch mechanisms are also available such as spring biased pins within stems <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> which spring outwardly into holes or keyed slots within sockets <b>42</b>,<b>46</b> (not shown). Other catch mechanisms which allow stems <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> to be rotated within sockets <b>42</b>, <b>46</b> to a selected position and then releasably retained in that position would be known to a person skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure and teachings.

0042With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a work piece support assembly <b>10</b> with components corresponding to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is illustrated. Here, both leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> have been rotated placing the leg portion <b>34</b> substantially transverse to the rail <b>12</b> so that the leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> are now substantially perpendicular or substantially ninety degrees relative to the elongated rail support member <b>12</b>. This was previously disclosed above in greater detail for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref>. Here, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> displays the operational configuration of one embodiment of the work piece support assembly <b>10</b>, in a configuration designed to provide a stable platform for work pieces. Stability of the work piece support assembly <b>10</b> can be adjusted for uneven floor or earthen surfaces by adjusting the extent stems <b>30</b>, <b>32</b> are inserted into sockets <b>42</b>, <b>46</b> or by slight over or under rotation of the leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> which has the effect of lengthening or shortening individual legs <b>36</b>, <b>38</b> resulting in substantially no rocking of the assembly. The distal ends <b>64</b>, <b>66</b> of the first leg <b>36</b> and the second leg <b>38</b> of both leg assemblies <b>24</b>, <b>26</b> that are in direct contact with the floor, can be surrounded by a non-skid rubber, plastic or synthetic elbow sleeve (not shown) so as to minimize skidding or slippage of the apparatus.

0043With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, a phantom illustration of longitudinal relief slot <b>58</b> formed in the proximal end portion <b>16</b> of a rail support member <b>12</b> is shown. A substantially identical relief slot may exist at the distal end portion of this rail support member <b>12</b>. The relief slot <b>58</b> is substantially disposed along the longitudinal centerline <b>14</b> of the elongated rail support member <b>12</b> between the underside surface <b>20</b> and the topside surface of the rail <b>12</b>. The relief slot <b>58</b> is designed to provide strain relief to the leg socket assembly <b>22</b> and lateral flexure suitable for tightly securing a leg assembly <b>24</b> with the leg socket assembly <b>22</b> when one embodiment of an adjustable catch member is applied.

0044Also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a bushing member <b>54</b> inserted into the bore <b>52</b> of the first socket <b>42</b> and second socket <b>46</b>. The bushing <b>54</b> may be tubular in shape, slightly smaller in diameter than the bore <b>52</b> itself, and include a longitudinal gap or slot <b>57</b> juxtaposed to a longitudinal tab <b>56</b>. Each bushing <b>54</b> is designed to be compressed and secured around the stem assembly inserted into the leg socket assembly <b>22</b>, when the adjustable clamping member is applied and tightened.

0045In addition, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a side view of the first and second acute angles <b>70</b>, <b>72</b> that are produced by the respective first and second centerlines <b>44</b>, <b>48</b> from the first and second sockets <b>42</b>, <b>46</b> as they intersect at predetermined point <b>50</b>. These acute angles were previously disclosed in greater detail in the discussion for <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> above.

0046With reference now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, a bottom view illustrates the underside surface <b>20</b> of the proximal end portion <b>16</b> of the elongated rail support member <b>12</b>. In this embodiment, the longitudinal relief slot <b>58</b> is shown formed through the first socket <b>42</b> and second socket <b>46</b>. A bushing member <b>54</b> is shown inserted into each bore <b>52</b>. Each bushing <b>54</b> has a longitudinal slot <b>57</b> that allows the bushing <b>54</b> to be compressed around the stem portion of a leg assembly. The bushing <b>54</b> also has a longitudinal tab <b>56</b> that protrudes into the relief slot <b>58</b>, thereby preventing the bushing <b>54</b> from rotating between the bore <b>52</b> or socket, and the stem portion <b>30</b> during use. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> also displays a bottom view of the reinforced portions <b>76</b> of the rail <b>12</b>, and one embodiment of the adjustable clamping member <b>60</b>, shown here as a nut and bolt assembly.

0047A kit that contains all the components disclosed above and that are readily assembled into a work piece support assembly is disclosed and described herein. The components would be contained in a kit box, or in some other packaging that localizes the parts in one place. This kit contains the elongated rail support member described above as including a longitudinal centerline, opposing end portions each adapted for having a leg socket assembly, and an underside surface portion with openings for the bore holes. The kit also includes a pair of identical leg assemblies each adapted for insertion and connection into a respective leg socket assembly, where each leg assembly has a stem assembly defined as a pair of stem portions machined and formed for connection to the socket assembly. Each stem assembly has a connected leg portion defined as two downward and outward legs interconnected by a brace member. Each leg socket assembly in the kit is substantially identical and has two adjacent sockets. The stem assembly is specific for insertion into either leg socket assembly, thereby allowing each leg portion to be rotated between either a substantially coplanar or substantially transverse position relative to the elongated rail support member, as previously described.

0048This invention also provides a method for constructing a support assembly comprised of steps that result in a hinge pivoting a leg assembly, where the hinge is connected to a work piece support assembly. The first step provides an elongated rail support member having a longitudinal centerline, opposing proximal and distal end portions each having an identical leg socket assembly, and an underside surface portion having adjacent open bore holes. Two identical leg assemblies are adapted for connection to either identical leg socket assemblies used to support the elongated rail support member. Each leg assembly is formed to have a stem assembly that has two adjacent stem portions, and a leg portion. Both stem assemblies are connected to a respective leg socket assembly. Each socket assembly is formed with a first and second socket with first and second centerlines that may be non parallel relative to each other so that both socket centerlines converge to a predetermined point of intersection. Each leg portion or leg assembly is rotated from a substantially coplanar position to a substantially transverse position, relative to the rail support member and clamped in position.

0049Thus, while the preferred and alternative embodiments of the hinge device, work piece support assembly apparatus and kit, and method for pivoting a leg hinge of the present invention have been described and referenced to the environment in which they are developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents employed, without departing from the present invention, such as varying the specific shape of the leg portions, alternative bracing arrangements for the leg portions, the socket assembly details or the magnitudes of the intersecting angles.